Efforts Increase To Detect Stoned Drivers By CHP

The California Highway Patrol expected to begin making more arrests for marijuana DUIs when the drug became legal within in state this year. It is true, that they may be making more arrests, however, actually proving that someone was high while they were driving is a bit more difficult. Blood and urine tests can detect marijuana that was smoked days and even weeks ago. Saliva tests can detect it within the past 24 hours, but even that might not be enough to prove that a driver was actually stoned while driving. ABC 7 news reports on the efforts of the California Highway Patrol to recognize those who drive stoned.

According to the California Highway Patrol, arrests and injuries from people driving under the influence of cannabis are way up. Arrests for marijuana-related DUIs are up 31% and marijuana-DUI injuries are up 102 percent.

On Monday, August 27th, the California Highway Patrol hosted the Marijuana Traffic Safety Summit in Dublin, California. The summit brought together professionals from the law enforcement, medical, and legislative communities.

Police officers look for similar signs that a person is drunk to decide if they may be under the influence of marijuana. Things like speeding, following too closely, and weaving.

Unfortunately, tests that prove marijuana use – like urine, blood, hair, and even saliva tests, are often considered inadmissible in court.

Another thing that police would like to remind motorists of – is that marijuana in your glove compartment or in the passenger seat can be considered a violation similar to an open container. Marijuana needs to be transported in a sealed container out of the reach of the driver or passengers in the trunk.